Mercedes should not be considered challengers for the Bahrain Grand Prix, so says Charles Leclerc, though reigning world champion Max Verstappen remains wary of their threat.
Ferrari driver Leclerc and Red Bull's Verstappen secured pole and second on the grid respectively for Sunday's Formula One curtain-raiser.
Advertisement
Indeed, Ferrari and Red Bull took all four top spots in Sahkir, where Lewis Hamilton ultimately qualified fifth on Saturday, with his new team-mate George Russell down in ninth.
Mercedes have looked off the pace over practice and Leclerc, who claimed his 10th career pole at the circuit where he clinched his first in 2019, predicted the Silver Arrows will struggle to close the gap.
"I personally, still had the doubt after FP3," Leclerc stated of Mercedes' performance. "It was quite obvious that they were not at ease.
"Considering what happens in the years before, they were hiding their gains quite a lot, This year? Well, actually, they weren't hiding their gains. They were struggling more than other years.
"I still expected them maybe to be fighting for [pole position] with us. Then for the race tomorrow. Considering their pace of today, I don't think so but let's wait and see."
It's P1 and P3 for tomorrow's #BahrainGP
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 19, 2022
It’s a team effort bravi ragazzi #essereFerrari pic.twitter.com/knzDaEVTK4
Verstappen, however, thinks Red Bull's major rivals will be able to get Hamilton – who is chasing a fourth consecutive win in Bahrain – back on track.
"I think the car is not so easy to drive," the Dutchman added. "It seems a bit hit-and-miss. They just need to figure out a few things. But I think if they can figure out that package, [they] can be really quick.
"It's nice to be ahead now but I also know from last year how quickly they can develop a car. At one point, it was very difficult to beat that car.
"Things can change really quickly. I think there's still a lot of unknown areas. It's good for now, but I expect them for sure to work very hard and try to close that gap."
Leclerc's team-mate Carlos Sainz, who will start in third, concurred, adding: "They will be back. Mercedes have been known mainly for finishing strong in the last few seasons.
"It is true they have been struggling because they were not in the fight for pole today, and it's a surprise to see. But at the same time, I strongly believe that they will get themselves back in the mix. They are a great team, and they will be back fighting with us."
Hamilton, however, earlier claimed that he does not expect to be competing with Ferrari or Red Bull on Sunday, insisting the teams were "in a different league."
